Thinking about starting a polymer clay earring business but not sure where to begin?

If you're over 50 (like I am!), maybe you’re exploring your creativity again — or looking for a fun side hustle to take into retirement. Either way, this post is for you.
After a few years of running my own small batch earring business in Charlotte, North Carolina, selling online and at vendor events, here’s exactly what I would do if I had to start all over again — with calm, clarity, and joy.

1. Don’t Wait to Feel Ready

Let’s get this one out of the way first.

If I were starting again, I wouldn’t wait until everything felt perfect.

I wouldn’t:

* Buy expensive tools
* Set up a full website
* Try to master Etsy
* Spend hours designing a logo

Instead, I’d just start creating.

I’d grab my clay, use the tools I have, and make pieces that brought me joy — even if things weren’t perfect yet.

💡 Clarity comes from action, not overthinking.

 

2. Let Your Story Be Your Niche

Here’s something I’ve learned:

Your story is your niche. You don’t need to be the best clay artist. You just need to be real and relatable.

As a creative over 50, you have something younger artists don’t — life experience and perspective. That’s your advantage.

Ask yourself:

* Who are you making earrings for?
* What kind of personality do your pieces have?
* Are they bold? Nature-inspired? Elegant?

Personally, I make earrings for women like me — grandmas with an edge and creative souls who want to feel a little more like themselves every day.

 

3. Start Selling Simply

When I first started selling, I didn’t wait to build a website.
Instead, I sold to my existing network.

Here’s what I would do again:

* Make 10–15 pairs I truly love
* Take simple photos in natural light
* Post on Facebook and Instagram
* Say: “Hey friends, I’ve been working on something new. DM me if you’d like a pair!”

No need for fancy ecommerce setups. This is a great way to test what people like and build confidence.

 

4. Build Your Email List Early

Even before you have an online store, start collecting emails.

Your email list becomes your most valuable asset.

I use my monthly newsletter to share:

* Early access to new designs
* Upcoming workshops
* Behind-the-scenes stories

👉 Sign up here so you don’t miss a thing. It’s a warm and welcoming space, and you’ll be the first to know about everything I’m working on.

 

5. Go Local for Instant Feedback

Markets are magical — especially when you’re just starting out.

If I were starting from scratch:
* I’d find a local craft fair or maker market
* Rent a small table
* Display my earrings simply and beautifully

You’ll learn so much by watching people interact with your work. What they’re drawn to, what they pick up, what they comment on.

Pro tip: Bring a mirror — people love to try earrings on!

 

6. Create Content That Connects

When you’re ready to share your work beyond local events, don’t worry about going viral.
Focus on connection instead.

If I were starting now, I’d skip the pressure of Instagram trends and open a simple YouTube channel.

Just share:

“Come pack an order with me”
“Designing earrings at 60 years old”
“What I wish I knew before my first craft fair”

All you need is your phone. You don’t have to be perfect — you just have to be yourself.

 

💬 A Gentle Wrap-Up

If you’ve been thinking about starting your own polymer clay earring business, I hope this post helped you see that it doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t need to have it all figured out. You just need to begin.

Start small. Start messy. But start with intention.

Because this isn’t just a business. It’s joy with a purpose.

And if you want to stay in the loop with new designs, workshops, and more real-life advice for makers over 50, I’d love for you to join my monthly newsletter. 

You’re not too late. You’re right on time. 🧡